Sport | Posted on September 12th, 2024 | return to news
Paralympic success for Jack Eyers
Jack Eyers, who started his canoeing journey in Wimborne, went home from the Paris games with a silver medal.
A man who started his canoeing journey in Wimborne won a Silver Medal in the VL3 Canoe Race at his first Paralympic Games.
The VL3 category is for athletes with full function of their arms and trunk and partial function in the legs.
After setting a new Paralympic record for the VL3 race during the semi-final races, Jack Eyers had a fantastic race in the final. He was narrowly beaten on the line by the Ukrainian, Vladislav Yepifanov, who reset the Paracanoe Record.
Members of Poole Harbour Canoe Club/Wimborne Paddlesport were ecstatic to hear the news. Jack started his paddlesport journey with the Club in 2015, developing as a paddler at both Lake Pier and Riverside Wimborne.
Club chairman Vince Boon said: “His determination and skill were quickly recognised, and our coaches helped him link to the British Canoeing talent pathways – the rest is history. We do not see much of Jack now as he trains mainly in Nottingham. When back home in Bournemouth he still trains on the River Stour at Wimborne – it is always inspiring to catch up with him.”
Shortly after the final, Jack said: “It was pretty epic. I was here this time last year for the test event and the conditions were very similar. I had a lot of things to work on, and over the last 12 months I have worked on those crosswind conditions.
“The goal was always to start paracanoeing and become a Paralympian. I have done Europeans and World Championships and now a Paralympics. I’ve got the set.
“My family was in the crowd – including my daughter who is only three.
“She was probably a little overwhelmed by the crowd but for friends and family to be watching is special.”
It has not always been easy for Jack. He was left absolutely devastated when he was not selected for the Tokyo 2020 Games (rearranged to 2021 because of Covid) but bounced back in style to win his first World Championship Gold Medal in Copenhagen. He retained his world title the following year and has gone on to European success.
Jack has not forgotten his roots and has been back to the Club to offer advice and a session on how we should prepare our bodies and minds for training sessions. In recognition of his success in the sport of paracanoe, Jack was made a Life Member of the Club in December 2021.
Vince Boon said: “We are all so delighted for Jack. He is without doubt an incredibly talented and resilient man who deserves this success.”
Jack became the first amputee to be crowned Mr England in 2017.
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